24RE012_DRAFT RFP_QA_091624.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTIVITY

HEADQUARTERS

4800 MARK CENTER DRIVE

ALEXANDRIA, VA 22350-1400

Subject: Draft RFP HE125424RGUAMDRAFT Questions & Answers

1. Is it confirmed that the location will be divided into three sections?

Government Response: This draft RFP does not display the requirements into 3 zones or 3 separate contracts. At this time, the government anticipates award of one single Firm

Fixed Price, Indefinitely Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract (FFP, IDIQ) for all of the

Guam requirements.

2. Since the size of the buses will likely differ for each section, could you provide simple information on how many buses are required for each location?

Government Response: Per the SAM.gov notice instructions, please submit the completed Attachment X6 – NDA to esther.yi@dodea.edu and david.infante@dodea.edu. Once the completed Attachment X6 is submitted, the government shall provide the Route List, Commuting Map and anticipated Guam Bus

Routes.

3. The RFP references a requirement for proficiency in the “Host Nation Language.” Could you kindly confirm if this refers to Chamorro? Furthermore, I would appreciate clarification on whether both Chamorro and English proficiency are mandatory for the positions of Drivers, Contract Manager, and Alternate Contract Manager, or if English proficiency alone is sufficient?

Government Response: Proficiency in English is required and will be sufficient. The

Government shall review and revise the requirements prior to the issuance of the final solicitation.

4. Is there a site visit scheduled in relation to this solicitation? If so, I would be grateful if you could provide the date, time and any necessary logistical details.

Government Response: A physical on-site meeting during the solicitation phase will not be available. A virtual Industry Day may be held to review the solicitation requirements with all potential vendors. If an Industry Day is scheduled, a save-the-date will be posted on SAM.gov.

5. The bus specifications in the RFP or PWS appear to lack detail. For SPED buses, are there requirements other than seatbelts? The route file indicates buses with capacities of

65 passengers and 51 passengers but there is little additional information regarding specific requirements. Also, could you kindly clarify whether using smaller capacity mailto:david.infante@dodea.edu buses with an increase in the number of buses provided would be acceptable for this contract?

Government Response: The vehicle specifications, as outlined in the solicitation/PWS, are the Government’s minimum requirements. Any additional benefits provided by the vendor may be considered strengths if they are above and beyond the requirements in which the Government requires. The vehicles must also meet federal, state and host nation law requirements.

Regarding your question on SPED vehicles:

Individual Special Education (SPED) Students have individual needs (outlined in the individual’s IEP (Individual Education Program) and communicated to the servicing contractor upon that student’s integration into our Transportation program. However, at a minimum the potential offeror should have access to/readily available vehicles that possess features such as:

Accessibility Features

1. Ramps or Lifts: Vehicles should have ramps or hydraulic lifts to accommodate students using wheelchairs.

2. Wide Doors: Doors should be wide enough to allow easy entry and exit for students with mobility devices.

Securement Systems

1. Wheelchair Tie-Downs: Proper tie-downs to secure wheelchairs during transit.

2. Occupant Restraint Systems: Seat belts and harnesses designed for students with special needs to ensure their safety.

In addition, per Guam statute, school buses are not required to be painted yellow. Also, the stop signs (arms) are not required, per instructions from the Guam Department of

Transportation (GDOT). Below are excerpts from 16 GCA Vehicles, Ch. 3 General

Provisions, Article 2- 4/6/2022:

§ 3201. Vehicle Lights.

(e) Every school bus upon the public highway shall, in addition to any other equipment and distinctive markings required by this Act, be equipped with signal lamps mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, which shall be capable of displaying to the front two (2) alternately flashing red lights located at the same level, and to the rear, two (2) alternately flashing red lights located at the same level, and which red signals shall emit a red light plainly visible under normal atmospheric conditions for a distance of five hundred (500) feet from the rear or the front of such vehicle.

SOURCE: GC § 23104, enacted by P.L. 1-088; Subsection (e) added by P.L. 6-031.

Subsection (a) amended by P.L. 24-120:1.

§ 3336. Passing Passenger Carriers

(b) Every school bus, when operated for the transportation of school pupils, shall bear upon the front and rear thereof a plainly visible sign containing the words “School Bus –

Stop” in letters not less than eight (8) inches in height and of proportionate width. No vehicle, other than a school bus, shall display such sign.

SOURCE: GC § 23130, enacted by P.L. 1-088. Subsection (d) added by P.L. 31-051:2

(May 23, 2011).

Regarding your question on vehicle passenger capacities:

The requirement is for the service of student transportation, therefore, yes, using smaller capacity vehicles would be an acceptable proposal, as long as the potential Offeror ensures that there are adequate vehicles to service all of the student ridership populations and anticipated routes.

6. The draft solicitation includes 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial

Products and Commercial Services, which include instructions for payment and submission of invoices, and 52.232-4 Payments under Transportation Contracts and

Transportation-Related Services Contracts. Why did the Government include 52.232-4

Payments under Transportation Contracts and Transportation-Related Services Contracts, a clause prescribed for non-commercial services in a contract to be awarded under FAR

Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services? Which of these two payment clauses will take precedence? 52.232-4 Payments under Transportation

Contracts and Transportation-Related Services Contracts states, “The Government shall pay the Contractor upon the submission of properly certified invoices or vouchers, the amount due for services rendered and accepted, less deductions, if any, as herein provided.” There is no method stated within the contract for deductions related to non-conforming services other than those stipulated in 52.212-4 (a) Inspection and

Acceptance, which is limited to the Government’s right to seek an equitable adjustment post-acceptance and does not define the method for calculation of deductions. Does the

Government intend to provide written clarification on the accepted methodology for the calculation of deductions for non-conforming services?

Government Response: The Government shall remove FAR 52.232-4 Payments under

Transportation Contracts and Transportation-Related Services Contracts from the final solicitation.

7. The contract type is stated as Firm Fixed Price/IDIQ and requests information related to the vehicles but does not provide instructions for how the cost of the vehicles is to be presented in AttachmentX4-Pricing.

Government Response: This is a performance-based acquisition for a Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. All potential Offerors are recommended to review the requirements and the services in which the Government is seeking to procure and allocate all associated costs and risks in providing the services.

The Pricing Template will outline the services that will be required for these requirements, broken down into CLINs/SLINs. Since the Offeror bears the maximum risk, profit or loss, in a Firm Fixed Price environment, it is recommended that the

Offerors factor in all associated costs and risks in performing these services as part of their pricing proposal. The Government cannot advise Offerors on how to bid in their proposal.

Thank you all for your time in reviewing the Draft Solicitation and submitting your inquiries.

Sincerely, Esther Yi

Contracting Officer

DoDEA, Transportation Procurement Branch